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Although simulated corrugated metal siding on plastic structure kits has good molded detail, it takes some careful painting to make it look realistic. David shows you a simple set of techniques for painting corrugated metal siding with an airbrush as he finishes the coal tipple for our HO scale Thin Branch project layout. […]
In the October 2013 issue, Carmen Trapani explains how to make a mailbox out of wood and styrene. Download a bonus “Just for kids” article from the June 1994 issue on building two other styles of mailboxes. Download a PDF of the article here. […]
Download the PDF of this project here. This PDF is formatted to print on your home printer. Most pieces are formatted to fit on a 8.5″ x 11″ piece of paper. For larger parts of the plan, you will see “break lines.” Line up the break lines to create the larger piece. Please make sure […]
When we start out, we intend to make our dream come true. Our piqued imagination and the enthusiasm of fellow modelers are necessary to sustain us through the long construction process. Long-term and second-go-round railroad gardeners have used strong building materials for their walks, retaining walls, railroad and structures. They researched the plants to find […]
Check out these plans for the Union Pacific Glendale freight depot from Model Railroader magazine. Union Pacific built this modern-looking freight station midway along the 1.25-mile Glendale Branch that once was part of the former Glendale & Montrose Ry. The post-World War II structure was built of brick with large windows for natural light, and […]
Name: Calumet & South Chicago RR Layout designer: Michael Sharp Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 12′-0″ x 14′-6″ Prototype: freelanced Locale: Calumet Region of northwest Indiana Era: mid- to late-1960s Style: double-deck shelf Mainline run: n/a Minimum radius: 21″ Minimum turnout: no. 4 Maximum grade: n/a Originally appeared in the October 2013 Model Railroader. Click on […]
Name: Pennsylvania RR Layout designer: Bill Hughes Scale: HO (1:87.1) Size: 23′-6″ x 24′-9″ Locale: New Jersey Era: transition era Style: Walk-in Minimum radius: 30″ Minimum turnout: no. 6 Maximum grade: 2 percent Originally appeared in the October 2013 Model Railroader. Click on the link to download the PDF of this track plan. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows how to check and fix HO scale couplers. […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Press-fit coupler boxes can cause couplers to droop or even fall off. In this Expert Tip video, Model Railroader associate editor Cody Grivno shows you how to secure the coupler boxes on Athearn Trains freight car models with screws. For this project Cody […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Check out this demo of Sergent HO scale operating couplers. Expert model railroader Pelle Søeborg uses operating couplers made by Sergent Engineering. To uncouple cars, an operator holds a magnetic wand over the coupler. Pelle demonstrates the Sergent couplers installed on a freight […]
Layout designer: Kent Johnson Scale: O Layout size: 5 x 9 feet Track type: Lionel FasTrack Minimum curve: O-31 Originally appeared in the October 2013 issue of Classic Toy Trains. A FasTrack 5 x 9 made to handle the curves A FasTrack 5 x 9 made to handle the curves schematic A FasTrack 5 x […]
Having trouble viewing this video? Please visit our Video FAQ page Hills and mountains are a dramatic feature on any model railroad. Learn how to use plaster cloth, a common model railroading product, to make the landscape on your model train layout. […]
